Rome, Imperial Period, ca. 3rd century CE. Carved in high relief, a white marble lion's head with a dramatic face - penetrating eyes, a protruding snout, and the remains of a wavy, radiate mane with incised fur. The sculptor who made this piece may have been inspired by lions at the Roman Forum or in an amphitheater local to his area. A wonderful piece with a marvelous expression - look at those deepset eyes looking out below that furrowed brow! This was likely the mouth of a fountain. Size: 6.3" W x 5" H (16 cm x 12.7 cm); 7.5" H (19 cm) on included custom stand.
In the classical world, lions symbolized power, wealth, and might. They were famously featured in many ancient myths, perhaps the most famous being that of Hercules (Herakles) slaying the Nemean lion for his first labor. The lions fur was believed to be impenetrable to attacks since according to legend it was made of gold and its claws were far sharper than swords with the power to slice through armor. In the end, Hercules defeated the lion by strangling it and wore its skin.
Lions were also favorite iconography for buildings, coins, and statues. Examples include the Lion Gate to the Citadel of Mycenae, the Terrace of the Lions on the island of Delos, and the lion hunt mosaic from Pella featuring Alexander engaged in a lion hunt. Of course lions were also used in the Roman arenas where they would fight other animals, such as tigers and bears.
Provenance: private Florida, USA collection, purchased in 1994 from Arieh Klein, Ltd., Jerusalem, Israel
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#146414
Condition
Piece is a fragment, without a lower jaw or much of the mane. However what is preserved is wonderfully weathered, with the form and details in nice condition. Light deposits on surface, especially in the lower profile areas.